Locke (8-7) gave up five runs on nine hits and a two walks with just one strikeout over 4.1 innings in Wednesday's loss to the Braves.

EDGE Analysis

The troubled lefty has now given up five runs in three consecutive starts that have been broken up by a couple successful relief appearances. It's clear that Locke is not an effective starter at this point, but Pittsburgh's clearly hurting for rotation options with Tyler Glasnow (shoulder) on the DL and Francisco Liriano having been traded. The Pirates have no choice but to roll him out; that doesn't mean you have to.